'I believe I can compete with Roger'

MUMBAI, September 28: A millionaire 17 times over. A former World No 1. A winner at the All-England Club. Reputed to be difficult at his best behaviour. And with a scowl as his trademark look. Lleyton Hewitt is in agreement with all statements. Except for one.
"What people see on the court is an aggressive and competitive man. They tend to apply that impression to me in my private life as well.Away from the court, I'm a very private person. I like to put my feet up and enjoy a beer with my mates," Hewitt says, revealing the 'real Lleyton'. One that regularly plays golf with 'good friend' Patrick Rafter and enjoys Indian food at home in Adelaide.
But then is the reputation of being a surly and irritable man, someone who thought the critics were gunning for him all the time, hogwash? Weren't you the man who emphatically refused to do a 10-minute mandatory interview, triggering a series of threats, statements and potential fines that cascaded into him suing the ATP for defamation of character?
Hewitt takes his time answering.
"Every situation is different. That was a different phase. I love the way my life is now. But that doesn't mean that I would be a fake about it. If I have my own take on things, I wouldn't hesitate to make it known," he fires.
Hewitt won't hesitate to own the title at Mumbai. Or the No.1 spot either. Playing in India for the first time and on his way up the rankings ladder, Hewitt of 2007 is a pale version of the champion of 2001. A winner at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows, Hewitt ruled the roost for 75 weeks. Now he's languishing at 21 and quite some distance from competing for the numero uno position. "It doesn't seem that long ago actually. I was No 1 in 2001, won the Shanghai Masters too. No one can take that away from me."
Unfortunately, playing in the era of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal makes things that much more difficult. Though our man, far from being disappointed, believes that's what makes it all the more exciting.
"That's what motivates you honestly. Federer is extremely good at what he does. He's going to be the greatest player of all time but I believe in myself and I believe that I can compete at his level," he declares.
To put his career back on track, he's roped in none other than Federer's ex-coach: Tony Roche. "Rochey is tough on the court and I enjoy that. We're good friends and have a lot of mutual respect for each other. What he's achieved is phenomenal and he's definitely among one of the world's best coaches."
A success story that Hewitt can probably take some solace from is the rise and fall and rise again of the Las Vegas showman, Andre Agassi. Not many manage to resurrect a career after slumping to 141 in the rankings but Agassi did precisely that, thanks largely to a conditioning and fitness program, overseen by Gil Reyes.
Central to Hewitt's resurgence is an emphasis on getting his body in top-shape and so a meeting with Reyes and Agassi was set up early this year in February. "Andre is a unique person. I don't think anyone could compete the way he did. I don't think there are any similarities between our lives but the way he came back was pretty amazing," he says.
It should be fun watching Hewitt win it all back, the glory and the game, and yet being himself, being the real Hewitt.